Frequently Asked Questions - Schneider Electric

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" landing-cards-prop="{"getGk":[{"Title":"What is a surge protection device and how does it work?","UrlName":"FAQ000268561","LastModifiedDate":"26/02/2026","products":"Acti 9 iQuick-PF, iQuick-PRD, Acti 9 iPRF1, PRD1, Acti 9 iPRD","score":1.675,"firstpublisheddate":"30/07/2024","answer":"

What is a Surge Protection Device (SPD)?

A surge protection device (also called SPD) is a component of the electrical installation protection system.
This device is connected in parallel on the power supply circuit of the loads that it must protect, but it can also be used at all levels of the power supply network.
This is the most commonly used and most efficient type of overvoltage protection.

How does a surge protection device (SPD) work?

1. In normal situations (no surge)
- The SPD is in high impedance mode and does nothing.
- The electrical current flows directly to the installation and equipment.
2. In the event of a voltage spike (e.g., lightning, switching spike, etc.)
- The SPD detects that the voltage exceeds its threshold (clamping voltage).
- It switches to low impedance at lightning speed.
- The excess energy is diverted to earth or back to the source, instead of continuing to the equipment.
- Once the surge is over, the SPD returns to high impedance.

This prevents voltage surges from damaging sensitive electronics such as PLCs, IT equipment, security systems, and HVAC controls.

What types of surge protectors are there?

SPD is designed to limit transient overvoltage (coming from atmospheric origin or switching surges due to network operations) and evacuate the peak voltage to earth, to limit the amplitude of this overvoltage to a value that is not hazardous for the electrical installation.
Today, standards define three types of SPD for low voltage electrical installations: Type 1, Type 2 & Type 3 SPDs.
Depending on the environment and on the current and voltage waves, you might use some of those types.

• Type 1 SPD, such as our range Acti9 iPRD1, PRD1

To be used if building with lightning rod (or distance ≤ 50m). Prevents 90% of destructive lightning currents from entering the electrical installation of a building, but with low voltage protection level (Up). Type 1 must be completed by Type 2.

• Type 2 SPD, such as our ranges Acti9 iQuick-PF, iQuick-PRD or Acti9 iPRD

To complete Type 1. Diverts 99% of lightning current flow and ensures good voltage protection level (Up).

• Type 3 SPD, such as our range Acti9 iPRD

To complete Type 2. Provides very good voltage protection level, but with very low discharge capacity. It must be installed in the vicinity (d2 < 10 m *) of sensitive loads (Up ≤ 1500V) and it cannot be used alone with Type 1.

$\"Surge$

Finally, the lightning arrester's associated disconnecting device (circuit breaker or fuse) will be determined according to the short-circuit current at the installation site. Manufacturers provide a coordination table between the surge arrester and the associated disconnecting device. You'll find this table in our Design Guide.

"},{"Title":"How do I find my IP address using the arp command?","UrlName":"FAQ000260140","LastModifiedDate":"30/09/2025","score":1.2,"firstpublisheddate":"06/09/2023","answer":"This is useful for finding the IP address of hardware in your network whose MAC Address you already know.

What does arp do on CMD?

The arp command displays and modifies the Internet-to-adapter address translation tables used by the Address in Networks and communication management.

How do I find my IP address using the arp command?

To do so, you need to open a Command Prompt window and enter the command “arp -a”. That way you will get all of the IP addresses that are active on your network. You will get a list with the physical address, which is the MAC address and the corresponding IP address.

ARP Commands\n

arp -a: This command is used to display the ARP table for a particular IP address. It also shows all the entries of the ARP cache or table.
arp -g: This command works the same as the arp -a command.
arp -d: This command is used when you want to delete an entry from the ARP table for a particular interface.

\n\n

For details on the Command prompt, take a look here:

\n\n

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Command-line_interface#Command_prompt

$\"Example$

"}],"getPv":[{"Title":"Concerns reference LV432641 - How do I mount the motor for a Compact NSX400-630N/H/S/L ?","UrlName":"FAQ000275235","LastModifiedDate":"08/07/2025","products":"ComPacT NSX (2021), LV432641","score":1.000356506238859,"firstpublisheddate":"08/07/2025","answer":"

We can use the 'Instruction Sheet' for this. See the link:

https://download.schneider-electric.com/files?p_enDocType=Instruction+sheet&amp;p_File_Name=Motor-Mechanism-Instruction-Sheet-BQT6157605-00.pdf&amp;p_Doc_Ref=BQT6157605

To simplify things, we will start by assembling only the motor. Then, we will perform a test in 'Manual' mode.

Only afterwards will the MN coil be installed. To be able to test the motor with the MN coil, the MN coil must be powered. Then, we will perform a test in 'Manual' mode with the motor.

In addition, I can share a video showing the installation of a motor on a Compact NSX. See link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NnEB6bcGjQ

The warning included in the motor's packaging concerns the fact that the inside of the motor should not be handled, in order to avoid altering or damaging the position of the internal components.

"},{"Title":"Which online tool can I use to check selectivity ?","UrlName":"FAQ000240514","LastModifiedDate":"20/06/2025","products":"On-line Electrical calculation tools","score":1.000356506238859,"firstpublisheddate":"14/07/2022","answer":"

The online tool you can use to check selectivity is: Electrical calculation tools.

\n\n

This is an online calculation tool for low voltage electrical networks.

\n\n

See link:

\n\n

https://ect.se.com/cbt/app/index.html

\n\n

See video demonstration:

\n\n

"},{"Title":"Video: What is Modbus Tester and how do I use it?","UrlName":"FA180037","LastModifiedDate":"13/05/2026","products":"Integrated Power & Energy Management Software, Meter Configuration Utilities, Communications, Multi-circuit Power and Energy Meters, Basic Multifunction Power and Energy Meters, Advanced Power Quality Meters","score":0.9955560222674404,"firstpublisheddate":"04/10/2012","answer":"

Issue
Need a simple tool that can read Modbus registers.

Product Line
Modbus Tester

Cause
Diagnosing communications or verifying values.

Resolution

Modbus Tester is a Windows-based tool designed for simple register reading and writing. The screenshot below highlights commonly used value blocks, and the accompanying video demonstrates how to read and write registers.
Note: Modbus Tester is hardcoded to use port 502.

$\"Modbus$

Attached is a copy of the program.

"},{"Title":"Video: What causes USF Undervoltage on an ATS22 Soft Starter?","UrlName":"FA234013","LastModifiedDate":"07/10/2025","products":"Altistart 22","score":0.9932263814616756,"firstpublisheddate":"29/08/2014","answer":"Issue:
Why is USF displayed on Altistart 22?

Product Line:
Altistart 22 ATS22

Environment:
All models, All serial numbers.

Cause:
USF is being triggered when the starter is supplied with proper power.

Resolution:
USF is an Undervoltage Fault. Basically, the incoming supply voltage is too low.

The following parameters affect the USF fault:
-In the ConF menu,\n

UIn should be set to the nominal incoming 3 phase voltage.

\n\n

The factory default is 480V for S6 and S6U ranges, and 400V for Q range.

\n-In the PrO menu,\n\n

USd ( Under Voltage Threshold ) sets the threshold as a percentage of parameter UIn.
USt (Under Voltage Time Delay ) sets the amount of time delay in seconds until a USF trip. The voltage must remain under the threshold for the entire delay to activate the fault.

\n
Note that the under voltage protection feature becomes operational only after a run command has been issued. When voltage drops to zero, the soft starter will trip immediately, overriding the time delay.
An isolation contactor that is not pulling in with run command applied can also cause USF as the main power to the soft start is not made.

Example:
Uln= 480V, USd = 70%, USt = 5 seconds. So, if after a run command is issued, the incoming voltage drops to less than 336 volts (480V * 70%) and stays there for more than 5 seconds, USF will be triggered.

"},{"Title":"Video: How to program an ATV320 for 3 wire control?","UrlName":"FA309003","LastModifiedDate":"12/03/2026","score":0.9335625159154571,"firstpublisheddate":"15/02/2017","answer":"Issue:
Programming an ATV320 for 3 wire control

Product Line:
Altivar 320, ATV320

Environment:
All

Cause:
Programming, setup

Resolution:

From main menu,
Enter on dial to go to CONF and enter.
Go down to FULL and enter.
Go down to I_0- and enter.
Set TCC for 3C for 3 wire control. This will require the enter key(dial) to be pressed for 3 seconds to save.
In 3 wire control mode, DI1 is a normally closed momentary stop and DI2 is a normally open momentary start.
If DI1 is not made the drive will display NST."},{"Title":"Configuring the Panel Server (PAS400/PAS600/PAS800) for Connectivity with EcoStruxure Energy Hub (EEH)","UrlName":"FAQ000278615","LastModifiedDate":"22/12/2025","score":0.8354723707664885,"firstpublisheddate":"04/12/2025","answer":"

This article will explain how to configure your Panel Server gateway device (at commissioning or afterwards) to be ready for connection to your site for energy management using EcoStruxure Energy Hub (EEH).

The Panel Server is one of the commonly used gateways for cloud connection in EEH. There are three models of the panel server

PAS400: Panel Server Entry
PAS600: Panel Server Universal
PAS800: Panel Server Advanced

Follow the below steps to get your Panel Server connected to Schneider Cloud and ready for your EEH Site:

Step One: Installation

Carry out the installation and wiring of the Panel Server as per the corresponding instruction sheet.

Step Two: Connecting to the Panel Server

Power on Panel Server supply and connect to the gateway on your laptop device through the ethernet ports. If you are commissioning the Panel Server (i.e. connecting for the first time), ensure you disconnect your laptop from WiFi and any other local networks.

Ensure that your laptop IP settings are set to automatic DHCP and turn on network discovery and file sharing. Once this done, the Panel Server will appear in File Explorer --> Network. You can open the webpage by double-clicking the Panel Server icon.

If you are commissioning the Panel Server, the webpage will prompt you to set a password. Otherwise proceed to login with your login credentials.

Step Three: Date and Time

Go to Settings --> General --> Date and Time --> Select "Schneider Electric Cloud" --> Save

$\"Step$

Step Four: Network Settings

Go to Settings --> Network Communications and ensure that the Panel Server DNS and Proxy Settings are configured as per your site requirements.

Step Five: Device Discovery

Proceed to connect the devices in your system to the Panel Server. This can be done from:

Wireless Devices: Go to Settings --> Wireless Devices --> Wireless Discovery
Wired Devices: Go to Settings --> Modbus Devices --> Modbus Addition

Note. It is important to set the appropriate contextualisation data of each device you are connecting to ensure it is correctly captured in EEH once the Panel Server is linked.

Step Six: Device Measurement Verification

Go to Monitoring and Control and step through all the connected devices and ensure the parameters and measured values are correct for each device. It is important to ensure this data is correct. If this data has to be changed post EEH integration, we will need to delete the previous data.

$\"Step$

Step Seven: Connection to Schneider Cloud

Go to Settings --> Data Management --> Activate Sampling. The Data Sampling indicator should change from a red cross to a green tick as seen in the below image.

$\"Step$

Go to Settings --> Data Publication:

Publication Method --> Select "Schneider Cloud Services" --> Save
Schneider Cloud Services Application Management --> Click "Connect" (Connection Status will change from "Not Connected" to "Connected," Connection Diagnostics will be added with "Device Activated" status and Cloud Service Status in the header will go from red cross to orange circle. This can be seen in the image below in the green boxes.)
Topology --> Click "Publish Topology"

$\"Step$

Your Panel Server is now ready for connecting to your site via EEH.

Refer to this video for a walk through of the comissioning of the Panel Server and setup for EEH: EcoStruxure Energy Hub - Panel Server Configuration for Energy Hub | Schneider Electric
Refer to this video on how to commission your EEH site and bring the Panel Server that has been configured in the above steps to your site: EcoStruxure Energy Hub - Energy Hub Basic Setup | Schneider Electric

"},{"Title":"Video: How to setup Plus/Minus Speeds on the Altivar Process Drive","UrlName":"FA309390","LastModifiedDate":"11/12/2024","products":"Altivar Process ATV900, Altivar Process ATV600","score":0.7557040998217469,"firstpublisheddate":"20/02/2017","answer":"Issue:
Set up Plus/Minus Speeds on the Altivar Process Drive.

Product Line:
Altivar Process Drive (ATV630, ATV930, ATV650, ATV950, ATV660, ATV960, ATV680, ATV980)

Environment:
All serial numbers for Altivar Process Drive

Resolution:

To Program the +/- Speeds\n

[Complete settings] [Command and Reference]
Set [Freq Switch Assign] rFC to [Ref Freq Channel 2] FR2
Set [Ref Freq Channel 2] FR2 to [Ref Frequency via DI] UPdt
Go to [Complete settings] [Generic functions] [+/- speed]
Assign [+ Speed Assign] USP
Assign [- Speed Assign] dSP
Assign [Ref Frequency Save] Str
\t
\tTo adjust the increment of plus and minus speed, adjust the ACC and DEC. If ACC is set to 6 seconds, it will ramp 10 Hz for every second that the +speed is active (60Hz range / 6sec = 10Hz/sec). Keep it active for 6 seconds and output will reach 60 Hz. To make +speed increase at a slower rate, increase ACC. To make it faster, decrease ACC. The same logic applies to -speed and DEC.
\t

\nReference the attached document for more information"},{"Title":"Which online tool can I use to check cascading?","UrlName":"FAQ000240510","LastModifiedDate":"20/06/2025","products":"On-line Electrical calculation tools","score":0.5007130124777184,"firstpublisheddate":"14/07/2022","answer":"

The online tool you can use to check cascading is: Electrical calculation tools.

\n\n

This is an online calculation tool for low voltage electrical networks.

\n\n

See link:

\n\n

https://ect.se.com/cbt/app/index.html

\n\n

See video demonstration:

\n\n

"}],"getPa":[{"Title":"SoMachine vs SoMachine Basic","UrlName":"FA307649","LastModifiedDate":"02/09/2022","products":"SOMBASAP11, SOMNACCZXSPAZZ","score":1.0307109001017085,"firstpublisheddate":"25/01/2017","answer":"Issue:
Difference between SoMachine and SoMachine Basic

Product Line:
SoMachine, SoMachine Basic

Resolution:
SoMachine Basic is a free software created specifically to program the M221 Logic Controller exclusively.
It supports the Ladder and the Instruction List programming languages.

SoMachine is a full blown licensed software used to program a wide range of controllers like the M241, M251, M238, M258, LMC058, LMC078... as well as the Maglis HMIs.
It supports all of the IEC61131-3 programming languages."},{"Title":"What is the default password for the PM700 Power Meter range ?","UrlName":"FA132166","LastModifiedDate":"06/02/2025","products":"PM700 series","score":1.003074820635463,"firstpublisheddate":"09/02/2011","answer":"

To begin power meter setup, do the following:

1. Press ...> until you see SETUP
2. Press SETUP
3. Enter your password.

The default password is 00000.

If this password has been changed please make sure you make a note of the new password as it cannot be reset

Please note the PM700 range is now obsolete, for information on replacement please see FAQ FA264122

"},{"Title":"What is the meaning of the terms 2P2d, 3P3d, 4P3d, 4P4d, 4P3d+N/2 and 4P3d+OSN on the Compact NS / NSX circuit-breaker trip units.","UrlName":"FA300552","LastModifiedDate":"20/05/2026","score":1.0027331738981893,"firstpublisheddate":"02/11/2016","answer":"The first number corresponds to the number of poles.
The second number corresponds to the number of protected poles.
The first letter stands for Pole.
The second letter stands for trip unit ("déclencheur" in French).

Examples:
4P3d is a 4-pole trip unit with 3 protected poles (not the neutral).
4P3d+N/2 is a 4-pole trip unit with 3 protected poles and the neutral at half rating due to the neutral cable being half the phase cable cross sectional area.
4P3d+OSN is a 4-pole trip unit with 3 protected poles and with oversized protection of the neutral (Over Size Neutral).
"},{"Title":"How to select an SPD - Surge Protection Device or surge arrester for an entire installation?","UrlName":"FAQ000248459","LastModifiedDate":"26/02/2026","products":"Acti 9 iQuick-PF, iQuick-PRD, Acti 9 iPRD, Acti 9 iPRF1, PRD1, A9L08100, Acti 9 iPRC, iPRI, iPRE, Acti 9 iPRD-DC-PV","score":1.002049880423642,"firstpublisheddate":"24/01/2023","answer":"

\n
Determine the need for an SPD:
\n
- Identify whether you need an SPD for direct or indirect lightning protection.
\n
\n
Understand the required characteristics:
\n
- Once you have determined the need for an SPD, consider the following characteristics to select the appropriate device:\n
  - Voltage Protection Level (Up): Ensure the SPD can protect against the maximum voltage that may occur during a surge.
  - Nominal Discharge Current (In): This is the current that the SPD can handle repeatedly without degradation.
  - Maximum Discharge Current (Imax): The highest current the SPD can withstand during a surge event.
  - Type of SPD: Choose between Type 1, Type 2, or Type 3 SPDs based on the installation requirements and the level of protection needed.
  \n
\n
Refer to detailed documentation:

Design guide: Coordination of SPD for commercial and industrial buildings

This document gives you more details on the coordination between the SPD or surge arrester and its short-circuit protection device, as well as a specific table and information on the installation of two SPDs or surge arrester in an installation

4. Consult the Electrical Installation Guide:

\n
- For additional details on surge protectors, refer to Chapter J of our Electrical Installation Guide, accessible via the link below:\n
  - https://www.electrical-installation.org/enwiki/Overvoltage_protection
  - or downloaded on the following link: https://www.se.com/ww/en/work/products/product-launch/electrical-installation-guide/
  \n
\n

This guide contains detailed information on selecting the SPD or arrester as well as selecting the correct short circuit protective device and installations with multiple SPDs or arresters in the same installation.

"},{"Title":"What is the difference between Fire Mode (Function 52) and Force Mode (Function 53) in Altivar 21 Drive.","UrlName":"FA12137","LastModifiedDate":"01/06/2026","products":"Altivar 212","score":1.0017082336863683,"firstpublisheddate":"31/12/2009","answer":"

The difference between the Fire Mode (Function 52) and Force Mode (Function 53) is as follows:

\n\n

In Fire Mode (Function 52) the Drive will run until it fails, any Fault and/or Stop command will not work. In this function the drive cannot be stopped unless power is removed.

\n\n

In the Force Mode (Function 53) the Drive runs but critical fault and/or Keypad Stop will stop the drive.

\n\n

The Critical faults are:

\n\n

Over Current (OC), Overvoltage (OP), motor current sensor error (Err7), Under Voltage (UP1), Ground Fault (EF2), OCP and excessive torque boost fault (E-20).

\n\n

Refer attachment for the list of faults.

"},{"Title":"What is the default User Name and Password for the IFE Module?","UrlName":"FA367350","LastModifiedDate":"17/02/2026","score":1.0017082336863683,"firstpublisheddate":"12/03/2019","answer":"

Issue
What is the default User Name and Password for the IFE Module?

Product Line
LV434001 IFE module
LV434002 IFE switchboard server

Environment
Device Access
Web Server
Web page

Cause
A user needs to access the IFE Web Server

Resolution:

IFE Firmware Version 3:
User Name: Administrator
Password: Gateway

IFE Firmware Version 4/5:
User Name: SecurityAdmin
Password: AAAAAAAA

NOTE: The user name and password are case-sensitive

"},{"Title":"How can we set the time and date in Modicon PL7 Premium CPU.","UrlName":"FA12114","LastModifiedDate":"02/06/2026","score":1.0013665869490946,"firstpublisheddate":"31/12/2009","answer":"

The procedure for setting the time and date in Modicon PL7 Premium CPU is as follows:

\n\n

1. Open the PL7 Pro project.

\n\n

2. Make a configuration by selecting PL7 Pro Premium PLC-TSXP572623. Verify this configuration.

\n\n

3. Go online with PLC. Open the Debug screen of Premium PLC. Enter the date and time as per requirement.

\n\n

4. Click on OK then update tab. It will set the date & time of PLC's real time clock as per your requirement.

\n\n

Refer below snapshot showing the date and time fields.

\n\n

$\"\"$

"},{"Title":"What is the possibility of using Zone Selectivity Interlocking (ZSI) between upstream (NSX160-250) & downstream (NSX160-250)?","UrlName":"FA331441","LastModifiedDate":"01/02/2026","products":"Compact NS switches disconnectors, Compact NSX <630","score":1.0013665869490946,"firstpublisheddate":"12/11/2017","answer":"To use the ZSI function between 2 Compact NSX MCCBs; one in the upstream and the other in the downstream, one of them will have to be a Compact NSX400~630 to contain the terminals Z3, Z4 and Z5. These terminals are the ones to which the downstream MCCB should be connected to. Compact NSX100~250 MCCBs do not contain these terminals (Z3, Z4 and Z5) and thus won't be able to perform the ZSI function if placed in the upstream/downstream combinations. Please refer to the attached pages from the Micrologic trip unit user manual (refer to "Extract - Compact NSX - Micrologic 5 or 6 - User manual.pdf"). So to make use of the ZSI function between 2 Compact NSX MCCBs, please make that the upstream breaker is Compact NSX400~630."}]}" translations="{"tabs":{"popularArticles":"Popular Articles","popularVideos":"Popular Videos","generalKnowledge":"General Knowledge","sections":{"popularVideosTitle":"Popular Video FAQs","popularVideosTitleMobile":"Popular Videos","generalKnowledgeTitle":"Learn more through our Generic Knowledge FAQs","generalKnowledgeTitleMobile":"General Knowledge"}},"searchDocument":{"category":"Product category","publishedDate":"Published on","modifiedDate":"Last Modified on"},"moreButton":{"labelMore":"Show more","labelLess":"Show less"},"Redirection":{"message":"The FAQ you are looking for is no longer available, we have redirected you to your Country FAQ home page. Please use the FAQ search bar provided in the home page to search for your query."}}" env="new" s-id="1283">